BMW R1250 GS Adventure VS the GS Base model. Which one is best for you?

[@msims1250]

I went to the BMW dealer to get a GS, but rode off on a GSA, mainly for the fact that the bike came with everything I would’ve put on it already from the factory. My wife liked the feel and balance of the GS, so that’s the one she got. We both got low suspension Triple Black models. I’m 5’6” with a 28” inseam, so I had to have a low version. My wife has longer legs, but coming from cruisers, she wants to be able to put both feet down. She says her bike is prettier, and I’m smart enough not to argue with her. I appreciate the video!

[@upshiftingadventures]

The second to last sentence was by far the most important point made in your comments. 😂😂😂. Thanks for watching. Much appreciated, and if you guys are ever riding through the CO area hit me up.

[@upshiftingadventures]

Guys, I know my math was terrible on this video. I messed up the difference in the gas tank capacities and the difference in the base model price. It doesn't look it, but it was pretty cold that day and my brain might have been a little frozen hahaha.

[@mikehenry7878]

It's much easier to remember in metric. 20 litres in a GS and 30 litres in the GSA.

[@upshiftingadventures]

You’re right, that is much easier. Thanks for that!

[@Brg707]

GSA TROPHY ADVENTURE......have mine for a month .....awesome love it

[@AF-O6]

Thank you for sharing. I have four times gone to the dealer to buy an RT, and four time bought a GS instead, 2xGS and GSA for the last two BMWs. After two years on a Tiger 900, I’m about to get another GS. I’ve not owned a shift cam, so your viewpoints help!

[@upshiftingadventures]

Glad to help. Sounds like you have way more GS experience than I do

[@mr.p521]

I do own 2021 model of BMW 1250 GSA and in my opinion they are other reasons to chose between these two bikes. Base model best for those who want an more nimble bike that is easier to handle both on tarmac and dirt roads since less weight and lower seat height also help shorter riders to ride in comfort, probably better bike for city commuting too since it's not so wide and top heavy as GSA. For those who want option to go long distances without the need to refuel or often travel in areas with few petrol stations or no roads at all the adventure model might be a better choice, if you can handle the taller bike and additional weight this one gives better range, more suspension travel and ground clearance for really tough terrain or road conditions and better protection from start. The big tank also gives riders a bit more wind protection and probably some increased visibility in traffic and not so easily taken as low speed bike for kids.

[@upshiftingadventures]

I think you have some great insights there. Thank you for commenting

[@marcosresto544]

2017 r1200 GS Rallye Is my favorite bike in my stable She's agile fast consistent and super flexible. ❤

[@TT.motorcycletouring]

Absolutely awesome video, learned a lots ,

[@upshiftingadventures]

Thank you. I really appreciate you supporting the channel. Let me know if there’s any other content you’d like to see

[@surlyfan]

This was great. Been evaluating these two and really leaning to the GS for the smaller tank dimensions. I really like using my knees on the Africa Twin and want that flickability for sportier riding.

[@upshiftingadventures]

I don’t think you can go wrong either way. Really just depends on what your priorities are

[@aldvex8541]

I just purchased a triple black gs . I am 183 cm tall and want to explore europe . I really like the looks of gsa and fuel range , but i instead purchased a gs , i fitted lower crash bars and will also fit lights and upper crash to come closer to the looks of gsa . I think i have made a bad decision picking the base model 🤔 but i think it wins in handling and weight

[@upshiftingadventures]

The triple black is a fantastic color scheme in my opinion. I think you’ll be super happy with the GS. It doesn’t have the fuel range of the Adventure but it is more maneuverable, especially in some of the tight and twisty European roads.

[@aldvex8541]

@@upshiftingadventures thank you !! 💪😎

[@HuntingWolf82]

I just got a the same bike as you and I talked myself out of a gsa and I regret it. Love my bike but price point is better on the gsa but the size felt to big but I don’t think it would’ve been as bad as I thought

[@chrisvodka2412]

@@upshiftingadventures i doubt the GS is more maneuverable than the GSA since the rake is steeper on the GSA which makes it in fact easier to maneuver. Also the turn radius is smaller.

[@upshiftingadventures]

@@chrisvodka2412 I think those who speak of better handling on the base model GS are referring to its slimmer profile and the fact that there isn’t as much extra weight from the additional fuel in the GSA tank

[@hatibudak3511]

Hi, whats the speed range for 400 miles tank capacity? TQ

[@martyn_g]

Also, Touratech make a brace for the GSA engine guards

[@rickeyvarga5432]

Great comparison guys, thanks for sharing! One quick question. Can you share the info for the Garmin Zumo XT cradle adaptor? I'll be taking delivery of my GSA this week and I have a brand new Zumo fXT rom my previous bike that I will be using on the GSA ...Thanks again fellas!!!

[@upshiftingadventures]

Check out my video on installing an adaptor for the Zumo XT @ kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5qXiJl3gbp8grc

[@rickeyvarga5432]

@@upshiftingadventures ...Thanks!!!

[@MWS1960]

Great review this really helped

[@upshiftingadventures]

Awesome. So glad to hear that.

[@martyn_g]

I reckon once you add the same protection parts to the base, the dry weights would be very similar to each other. The extra weight kicks in ONCE the GSA’s tank is filled up. So, if you put in 20 litres into the GSA, not 30, I reckon the wet weight would be verryyyy similar;)

[@upshiftingadventures]

All true but weight is not the only factor to consider. The GSA actually has a different rake angle than the GS, along with a couple of other small differences like stand over and wheel base. I guess it’s really just buyer preference. For me, I like the extra fuel capacity of the GSA.

[@johnmacdonald1878]

I have a 1200 GS. Exclusive. Lots of feature. Mine is more road oriented. It came with mag wheels and touring tires. I changed the tires to 50/50. For a specific trip. I didn’t spend money on the Nav 6. It was used and fit my budget. So no choice. It already had crash bars and engine guards. Rode the Dempster. 250 miles to next gas, No gas worries. I did take extra JIK. It is a big bike, Not as big as GSA. I like the slightly smaller version.

[@upshiftingadventures]

The great this about the GS series is that there is something for everyone with this bike.

[@sethhanson4485]

very nice thanks guys

[@upshiftingadventures]

You’re very welcome and thanks for watching the video

[@gerryryan2302]

The GSA is priced a lot better for value for money . But I got a GS

[@upshiftingadventures]

I don’t think you can go wrong with either

[@ydarbg]

I have to say, the range on the GSA is worth it alone...fill up once for the day

[@upshiftingadventures]

I do like the range. It’s pretty awesome

[@RandomGRK]

But they're about the same weight once you add all the stuff to the GS and only fill them up with 5 gallons.

[@Beinhartwie1chopper]

Epic👊

[@Richard.Cabeza]

Base model for me. I don’t need to go 400 miles between fuel. I don’t like that big tank.

[@upshiftingadventures]

The big tank has its advantages but definitely a bit more intrusive when riding more knarly trails

[@oldhead_]

Test rode both and at 6’ 245lbs, thought I’d like the adventure but I lean towards the gs for flick ability and over all feel of ride..don’t need the extra 4 lbs haha jk buddy..great comparison!

[@upshiftingadventures]

Yes, they are both great bikes. Once you figure out your riding requirements it’s an easy choice and both are excellent bikes so you can’t really go wrong.

[@nispuk123]

Über Auswandern denken wir auch immer mal wieder nach. Aber wohin? Ist da wirklich was besser, oder denkt man es nur?! Etwas Sonne wäre schon mal ein guter Start👍

[@Beinhartwie1chopper]

Ecuador